How to Get Car Insurance Without a License: An Expert Guide (2024)

Almost every state in the country requires drivers to carry auto insurance. An essential prerequisite to purchasing car insurance is possessing a driver’s license. However, this doesn’t mean you’re completely exempt if you don’t have a driver’s license.

While the best car insurance companies require customers to have a driver’s license, it’s possible to buy auto insurance for a non-licensed driver. However, this scenario usually applies to drivers with a suspended license who still need coverage.

In this guide, we’ll explain everything there is to know about buying car insurance without a license.

Can you get car insurance without a license?

Do you need a driver’s license to get car insurance? It’s possible to purchase car insurance without a driver’s license.

It may be more of a challenge to find an insurer willing to provide coverage for drivers without valid licenses, but not impossible. Some insurers offer policies that don’t require a driver’s license.

For instance, insurance companies may allow people with suspended or expired licenses to obtain coverage. This will typically require the customer to provide proof of valid identification and other documents detailing their driving history. 

Additionally, insurers often require customers with suspended licenses to complete defensive driving courses before they can buy insurance.

Another scenario where you might need auto insurance without a license is if you don’t have one yet but plan on getting one soon. If this is the case, you’ll likely be required to provide proof of valid insurance coverage before getting your license.

Read more: Can I buy car insurance without a driver’s license?

Finally, some insurers also offer policies for drivers without licenses who don’t plan on getting one anytime soon. This may include people who live in rural areas and use their vehicles strictly for recreational purposes, such as off-roading or camping.

In any case, it’s important to shop around and compare quotes from several different insurers before committing to a policy. That way, you can make sure you’re getting the best deal possible on car insurance without a driver’s license.

Keep in mind that getting auto insurance without a driver’s license may result in higher rates than what you’d pay with a valid license. This is because insurers consider those without licenses to be high-risk drivers who are more likely to get into an accident or file a claim. If this is you, working with the best car insurance companies for high-risk drivers may be the best place to start.

Nevertheless, finding affordable car insurance is still possible even if you don’t have a driver’s license. Just make sure to shop around and compare car insurance quotes from several different insurers so that you can find the best deal for your needs.

What documents are necessary to buy car insurance without a license?

If you’re looking to purchase auto insurance without a driver’s license, there are certain documents you’ll need in order to qualify for coverage:

• Valid proof of identification, such as a Social Security number
• Documentation of your driving history
• Proof of residency
• Financial information, including income statements or employment records

Additionally, some insurers may require you to complete a defensive driving course before agreeing to issue you coverage.

Finally, it’s important to make sure all the information on your application is accurate and up-to-date. If you supply inaccurate or outdated information, it could lead to an increased risk for the insurer and result in higher rates for you.

How to Buy Car Insurance Without a License

If you’ve made up your mind to buy car insurance as an unlicensed driver, the good news is that several options are available. Below are some tips to consider before buying auto insurance without a license. 

Inquire About an SR-22 Certificate

An SR-22 certificate is a document filed with the state certifying that you have proper auto insurance coverage. This document may be necessary for drivers who have had their license suspended or revoked due to DUI or other traffic violations.

If you need an SR-22 certificate and don’t have a driver’s license, contact your insurer to inquire whether it offers this option and what documents it requires to issue the certificate. 

You should be aware that carrying SR-22 insurance could mean higher premiums. Therefore, if this is your only alternative, be prepared to shop around and compare quotes from several different insurers to get the best SR-22 insurance deal (read our “Best Car Insurance for Drivers with a Suspended License” for more information).

Read more:

• Understanding SR-22 Insurance: What is it and who is it for?
• Non-Owner SR-22 Car Insurance: What It Is and How to Get It

List Someone Else as the Driver on the Policy

In some cases, you may be able to purchase a policy with someone else listed as the driver. This is generally done by a parent or other guardian who has a valid license and will take legal responsibility for any damages that occur while you’re driving their car.

This option can be beneficial if you have a clean driving record and don’t necessarily need an SR-22 certificate, as it could help lower your rates. However, checking with your insurer first to ensure they offer this option before signing up for coverage is important.

List Yourself as the Excluded Driver on the Policy

Another option you may want to consider is listing yourself as the “excluded driver” on your policy. This means that you won’t be legally responsible for any damages or claims that occur while you’re driving, and thus, the insurer won’t have to pay out for any of these issues.

However, this option is usually only available if the car is owned by someone else with a valid driver’s license. It’s important to note that even though you’re not listed as an insured driver, the insurer may still charge higher rates due to your lack of license.

Add a Co-Owner to the Policy

You may also want to consider adding a co-owner to your policy. This person can be someone who has a valid driver’s license and will take legal responsibility for any damages or claims that occur while you’re driving their car.

Adding a co-owner to the policy could lower your rates as they will be deemed more responsible than an unlicensed driver. However, discussing this option with your insurer before signing up for coverage is important, as not all companies offer this service.

Consider Non-Standard Auto Insurance

Some insurers specialize in providing coverage to drivers without licenses. These companies are known as “non-standard” insurers and are a great option if you’re looking to purchase car insurance without a driver’s license.

Non-standard insurance companies often provide more flexible coverage options and payment plans, making them an attractive choice for unlicensed drivers on a budget. Be sure to shop around and compare quotes from several companies before committing to any policy, as rates and coverage terms vary greatly between insurers.

By taking the time to research your options carefully, you should be able to find an auto insurance policy that fits both your needs and your budget.

Add Parked Car Coverage

Finally, if you don’t plan on driving for the foreseeable future, you may want to consider adding a parked car coverage option to your policy. Insuring a parked vehicle will provide protection from theft or vandalism while the car is parked and not in use.

Adding a parked car coverage option could help lower your rates significantly, as insurers view this type of coverage as less risky than regular auto insurance policies. Again, check with your insurer before signing up, or consider shopping with other companies offering this kind of coverage.

What are the reasons to buy auto insurance without a license?

It naturally sounds odd to convince someone to buy car insurance when they aren’t driving. Purchasing auto insurance is a legal requirement in most states, but there are some situations where having this coverage will be in your best interest.

With that said, you should consider buying car insurance without a license if these scenarios apply to you.

You Have Health Conditions That Prevent You From Driving

If you’re struggling with any particular health conditions, it’s important to have auto insurance coverage in place, as you may be unable to drive. Having the right coverage will ensure that you’re still protected from any financial losses related to an accident involving your vehicle, even if you can’t get behind the wheel.

You Own a Car and Want it Covered Against Theft or Damage

If you own a car but don’t plan on driving it, having auto insurance is still a wise decision. The right coverage can help protect your investment by covering any potential costs related to damages, such as theft or vandalism.

You’re a Senior Citizen Who Needs to be Driven Around

If you’re a senior citizen and need to be driven around, having auto insurance in place is a must. This will ensure that you’re protected from any financial losses associated with an accident or other incident involving the vehicle.

It’s important to remember that auto insurance costs increase with age. As such, it may be worth consulting with an experienced insurance agent to find the most suitable policy for your particular needs.

You Hold a Provisional License or are a Student Driver

If you hold a provisional license and are a student driver, having auto insurance in place is essential. Coverage can help protect both yourself and your vehicle from any potential financial losses due to an accident or other incident involving the car.

You Don’t Drive, But Your Student Driver Does

Furthermore, if you don’t drive, but your student driver does, you still need auto insurance to cover your car and any associated expenses related to an accident or other incident involving the vehicle.

It’s also important to remember that some insurers may require drivers with a provisional license to add an additional named insured (such as a parent) to their policy, so it’s worth speaking with your agent before signing up for coverage.

You Own a Vintage Car That You Don’t Drive Regularly

Although it’s not a requirement to insure a vintage car, it’s best to purchase a policy for peace of mind in case of theft. Classic or collector car insurance can help cover the repair costs associated with any damage done to the car, even if you don’t drive it regularly.

Your License Has Been Suspended

Finally, if your license has been suspended and you still own a car, it’s important to purchase an SR-22 auto insurance policy. This coverage can help protect your car and any third-party property in the event of an accident or other incident involving the vehicle.

You will need to show proof of insurance before reinstating your license. Therefore, it’s best to speak with an experienced insurance agent to determine what type of coverage is right for you.

Case Studies: Buying Car Insurance Without a License

Case Study 1: Sarah’s Suspended License

Sarah recently had her driver’s license suspended due to a DUI conviction. Despite not having a valid license, Sarah still needs car insurance coverage. She explores different insurance companies and finds one that offers policies for drivers with suspended licenses.

Sarah provides proof of valid identification and completes a defensive driving course as required by the insurer. She successfully purchases car insurance without a license.

Case Study 2: John’s Future License

John is in the process of obtaining his driver’s license. However, he needs to provide proof of valid insurance coverage before he can get his license.

John contacts various insurance companies and finds one that offers policies for drivers without licenses who plan on getting one soon. He purchases car insurance with the understanding that he will provide his license information once he obtains it.

Case Study 3: Mike’s Recreational Vehicle

Mike lives in a rural area and primarily uses his vehicle for recreational purposes, such as off-roading and camping. He doesn’t have a driver’s license and has no intention of getting one. Mike discovers that some insurers offer policies for drivers without licenses who use their vehicles strictly for recreational purposes.

He compares quotes from different insurers and chooses the one that provides the best coverage for his needs.

Final Words on Getting Car Insurance Without a License

No matter your situation, it’s always important to consider auto insurance without a license. Although it may seem strange in some cases, having this coverage can provide the right protection for you and your car, regardless of whether or not you’re able to drive.

Speak with an experienced insurance agent to find the most suitable policy for your particular needs and compare quotes from multiple companies to get the best rates.